The Magdalene Propositions

'Twas a pope in the western tradition who raised the difficulty
In a homily that sought to explicate the muddled references in the liturgy
The Eastern Orthodox tradition would disdain this unholy trinity
The conflation of Mary Magdalene, the unnamed sinner, and Mary of Bethany

From these roots, legends have sprung
And conspiracy theories been long mooted
Angels summoned and demons expelled,
Codes of dishonor, sacraments disputed

A fallen woman anointing with the purest spikenard -
   Such an indignity
From martyrs and persecution to miracles and wonder,
  The essence of Christianity

Yet this would be the faithful follower on hand at the crucifixion
Indeed, even more crucially, the first witness of the resurrection
Spinning origin stories of the seven deadly sins
The basis of those so-called Magdalene propositions

Elliptical and sensitive, this woman, we owe her a debt
She moved the spirit and troubled the soul as she wept
Leaving her trace on parables that we keep debating
He is risen. A message with the plainest of meanings

The Magdalene Propositions, a playlist

A soundtrack for this article of faith. (spotify version)

• Mary Magdalene by Meshell NdegeOcello
  Truth be told, Meshell's liquid soul is quietly devastating. I am stopped in my tracks whenever shuffle serendipity features this album, and this song in particular, its heavy mix of longing brings me peace beyond passion.
• The Proposition by The Budos Band
• Suitelady (the Proposal jam) by Maxwell
• Mary, Don't You Weep by Aretha Franklin
• God Shiva by Meshell NdegeOcello

...

My original conception was in the vein of a tall tale with conflicting artwork that went from a vision of fallen angels to an admixture of commerce and faith. The muse decided otherwise and what issued forth was the above, but perhaps those stories will come in their own time. The title is so evocative that it continues to fire my synapses.

See previously Articles of Faith

File under: culture, religion, observation, humour, history, faith, christianity, poetry, toli

Writing log. April 22, 2022